Welcome
Inclusive Playgrounds for All Children
Transforming Westfield
school playgrounds.
About us
Project Playground began with three Westfield parents who recognized the need for inclusive, accessible play.
Our first installation at Lincoln School was a huge success — not just for students, but for the entire community. It became a place where everyone could come together and where inclusion was celebrated.
But the need didn’t end there. What happens when these children move on to schools with inaccessible playgrounds? How can they continue to grow and play alongside their peers?
Each school is powered by a passionate team of parents and volunteers, working with principals, PTOs, and the community to make these playgrounds a reality. Their dedication drives every swing, ramp, and sensory panel.
We’re just getting started — and we can’t wait to build more, together.
Our Journey: A Timeline of our Progress
January 2022: Project Playground was created by three Westfield parents
November 2023: After raising $135,000, we held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of 6 pieces of accessible equipment+ surfacing at Lincoln School. Inclusive signage was created by WHS students.
January 2024: Project Playground expanded to Franklin and Jefferson Elementary Schools which serve over 900 students.
November 2024: After raising over $110,000, we installed new equipment at Jefferson School. Fundraising continues.
February 2025: After raising $175,000, we installed 8 pieces of accessible equipment and surfacing at Franklin School.
March 2025: Project Playground expanded to Wilson and McKinley Schools which serve an additional 700 students.
Spring 2025: Franklin students will paint an Inclusive mural celebrating belonging & inclusion.
November 2025 : Franklin Elementary Ribbon Cutting Celebration.
Spotlight on our schools
Lincoln Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Franklin Elementary
~ 300 STUDENTS, GRADES PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
Founding School
$135,000 raised; Goal Achieved!
Added 6 pieces of inclusive equipment and 2,000 sq ft of accessible surfacing
WHS students created inclusive signage and communication boards
Franklin Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Franklin Elementary
~ 525 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5 SCHOOL BUILT IN 1929
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
School Leads: Erica Witte, Laura Skidmore
$175,000 raised; Goal achieved!
Latest Updates:
8 pieces of inclusive equipment
1,500 sq ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
new benches and tables
accessible ramp connecting the school to the playgroun
~ 525 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5 SCHOOL BUILT IN 1929
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: COMPLETE!
School Leads: Erica Witte, Laura Skidmore
$175,000 raised; Goal achieved!
Latest Updates:
8 pieces of inclusive equipment
1,500 sq ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
new benches and tables
accessible ramp connecting the school to the playground
inclusive mural painted by 500+ Franklin students
outdoor classroom,
inclusive signage,
communication board
updated gaga pit
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
~ 450 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: PHASE 1 and 2 COMPLETE! Phase 3 in progress
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Reema Thakkar
$135,000 raised
Added 3 pieces of inclusive equipment
2,550 ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
buddy bench
inclusive mural
Coming Soon: inclusive playground equipment for the Sum
~ 450 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: PHASE 1 and 2 COMPLETE! Phase 3 in progress
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Reema Thakkar
$135,000 raised
Added 3 pieces of inclusive equipment
2,550 ft of accessible surfacing
engraved brick pathway
buddy bench
inclusive mural
Coming Soon: inclusive playground equipment for the Summit Avenue playground which is utilized by 1st and 2nd grade students.
Wilson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
~ 364 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2025
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
Goal: $200,000
School Lead: Megan McCann
Latest Updates: The Wilson team placed their first purchase order in November 2025. Fundraising continues for Phase 2.
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
~ 300 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
BUILT IN 1954
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: JUST LAUNCHED! $25,000 GRANT RECEIVED FROM THE WESTFIELD FOUNDATION
McKinley Elementary
Washington Elementary
Washington Elementary
~ 294 STUDENTS, GRADES 1-5
PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2025
FUNDRAISING STATUS: ACTIVE
School Lead: Katelynn Leemhuis
Latest Updates: $25,000 grant received from The Westfield Foundation
The McKinley team is planning to enter a purchase order for phase 1 in 2026
Tamaques Elementary
Washington Elementary
Tamaques Elementary
~ PROJECT PLAYGROUND STATUS: JUST LAUNCHED!
School Lead: Sarah Tobler
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Project Playground
